Good luck! I am following this topic from now on
Welcome aboard mate! Enjoy your ride with the OP
it's open now, are you referring to this?

Slightly Yes, That'd do too.
There's just a slight a difference between a handicap (points spread) with a whole number and with a decimal e.g.: 7.5 and 8 in Basketball, I'll try to see If I make an explanatory post for you.
EDIT:
When you go for a point spread with whole number such as +8 or -8, To win the bet your pick has to win by at least 9 points by the Maximum of 7 points difference for the bet to be won, Respectively. The only the difference in this kind of points spread is that there could be a draw, (Point spread tie or Push), That is, if you choose lets say the Bucks -8, and The final score is Bucks 100 - 92 Mavericks, Then it will be a draw with your bet refunded.
While if you go for the Bucks - 8.5, They have to win with at least 9 points more than the opponents in order to win the bet, in this kind of points spread there his no possibility of a draw or points spread tie.
I hope you get it now ?